"Tom P
Ahhh, if golfers are to understand the rules then it is up to them to understand the choice diction of the governing bodies. Not many people carry a rule book and I have never seen a Decision Book flipped out on the course. Even if a rule book were carried, Rule 8-2(b) could be a prime example of players attempting to play by the rules, but being confounded by the language or at the very least find the language contradictory. The powers that be must have thought Behr was a good writer. By choosing to use the word "anywhere" the governing bodies have thrown an element of doubt as to the correct interpretation of the rule - which of course has sent Shivas on a crazed lawyer like hunt for the ultimate truth. Since the powers that be don't offer explanations for their decisions it is only natural for golfers to try and come up with a plausible line of explanation themselves.
In my world (a world without expert rules folk hanging on my shoulder), it is down to the players to figure out how to play by the rules. The governing bodies should make this process as easy as possible. With this in mind, wouldn't it behoove the governing bodies to change the wording of 8-2(b) to reflect what the rule really is meant to state? Otherwise, it is very plausible for guys like Shivas to point out on the course that the term "anywhere" means anywhere and make a claim that a common practice is in fact not legal."
Sean:
I'm definitely not saying the R&A/USGA Rules of Golf and the words and language they use is as clear as it could be, but look, what we are talking about here (lining up a golf ball on a putting green with a line) is extremely common practice, and therefore if ANYONE, you me, Shivas or whomever are really under some presumption that it is actually NOT LEGAL under the R&A/USGA Rules of Golf all you or me or Shivas or anyone else really needs to do is just call up the USGA Rules Desk and ask them!
I guarantee you they will tell you it is allowed under their Rules of Golf. Is there really any more to say about this?
If someone wants to call them up and argue with them endlessly that it should not be allowed that's a different matter.
I have had all kinds of these issues with the USGA over the years. My proposal on The Honor (Rule 10-1a) went back and forth with the R&A and USGA Rules Committees and the R&A/USGA Joint Rules Committee for over six years. They apparently thought about it very carefully and eventually turned down my proposal---TWICE in the quaderenial R&A/USGA Joint Rules meetings!
Nevertheless, I play golf by THEIR interpretation of The Honor, always have and always will. If someday they decide to adopt my proposal for The Honor, I will play by THAT as will all other golfers willing to play golf under the R&A/USGA Rules of Golf.